Spring is just around the corner and vibrant fields of yellow oxalis and mustard pour between the local farms. Daffodils are blooming in patches up and down the coast. Plum and cherry blossoms give a sense of warmth even on the coldest days of February. Springtime is close and it's calling you to plan a visit to one of your local parks.
Last year in early May, I went on a hike with two of my friends at McNee Ranch at Montara Mountain. We wanted to have a nice blend of inclines and level hiking that ended with a picnic. This hike was approximately 6 miles total with 650 feet of elevation gain over two 2 major inclines. We started from the Le Conte trailhead in Montara and connected to Old San Pedro Mountain Road. This first segment is a relatively level warm up.
Rabbits scamper between bushes, garter snakes slither along the creek banks, and red tail hawks keep a close eye on all the action. We pass through an aromatic tunnel of eucalyptus and greet the ranchers tending to their horses at Ocean View Farms. About a mile in, we cross the bridge at Martini Creek and are now officially in the park.
Taking a right up north peak access road, the first steep part of our hike begins. The compact red dirt can be slippery, so be sure to bring shoes with decent tread. Along this half mile incline you may see mushrooms percolating up from beneath the pine needles on either side of the trail. Once we reconnect with Old San Pedro Mountain Road we make a left, traversing through patches of forest on a slight downhill gradient.
About 1.3 miles later we detoured to the right on a smaller trail to make a 2-mile loop to a lookout over Gray Whale Cove. The elevation remains constant as we roam north. The stunning ocean views and sea breeze are crisp and refreshing. From the Gray Whale lookout you can return the way you came or add some elevation and summit the nearest peak to the south marked by a single Monterey cypress.
We chose the more challenging route, knowing we had sandwiches on our pack to look forward to. It's a steep climb, but worth it! If it's a clear day you will likely be able to see the Farallon Islands and possibly some breaching whales. After taking in the views for a while, we make the steep descent to close our loop on Old San Pedro Mountain Road, continuing toward the picnic area.
We enjoyed our lunch among the lupine, poppies, ladybugs, and lizards. The area is warmed by the afternoon sun and protected from wind by the mountains behind us. There are plenty of tables and you are likely to have it to yourselves as we did. From there, it is a short hike back to the trailhead.
Bring binoculars, layers, plenty of water and something to take pictures with. It is a fantastic spot to make some memories!
— Coel Miller, CSPA Board Member